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Arabic Glossary

Fi sabilillah

“Fi sabilillah” is an Arabic phrase that means ”for the sake of God" or "in the cause of God". It appears many times in the Quran. 

Examples of using “fi sabilillah”:

  • Jihad fi sabilillah: A war fought to protect the Islamic faith and its honor 
  • Sadaqah fi sabilillah: Giving charity for the sake of Allah

Mubtadi

Mubtadi’ (مبتدئ) is an Arabic word that means "beginner" or "freshman". It’s used in many parts of the Arab world to refer to a first-year student. The plural form of mubtadi’ is mubtadi’ūn (مبتدئون).


Al-‘udhr bi’l-jahl

Al-‘udhr bi’l-jahl is an Arabic phrase that translates to "excuse of ignorance". It’s a principle that can be used to justify actions that might otherwise be considered polytheistic or disbelieving. However, some reject the principle in certain circumstances. 

Explanation

Al-‘udhr bi’l-jahl can be used to justify actions that might otherwise be considered polytheistic or disbelieving. For example, some people use the principle to justify voting in elections or praying to the dead. However, others reject the principle for actions they consider to be “greater polytheism” or “greater disbelief”. 

Related information

  • The Madhab of Najdi Scholars has a position on the issue of al-‘udhr bi’l-jahl. 
  • Al-Hazimi ideologues reject al-‘udhr bi’l-jahl for actions they consider to be of “greater polytheism” and “greater disbelief”. 
  • Al-Hazimi states that those who refuse to pronounce takfir on the performers of such actions on the basis of al-‘udhr bi’l-jahl are themselves unbelievers.

Mandub

Mandub is an Arabic word that means "recommended" or "commendable". In Islam, it refers to an action that is not legally required, but is considered meritorious. 

Examples of mandub: 

  • Treating slaughtered animals with care
  • Setting up a charitable endowment
  • Helping the sick
  • Being kind to family and friends
  • Speaking kindly to others
  • Honoring neighbors and guests
  • Eating dates for breakfast during Ramadan
  • Eating honey, figs, olives, dates, and milk

Mandub in Islamic law

Mandub is one of five classifications of actions in Islamic law. The other four are: 

  • Fard or wajib: Obligatory
  • Makruh: Discouraged
  • Halal: Permissible
  • Haram: Prohibited

Related terms

Mandub is also known as sunnah, mustahab, or nafl. Legal theorists generally agree that if someone neglects a mandub act, they will not be punished.


Mustawa

mustawa - the word mustawa is an Arabic originating word by definition means “level”.


Mansab

Mansab is an Arabic word that means "rank" or "position"


Tauheen-e-Risalat

Tauheen-e-Risalat is an Arabic phrase that means "blaspheming the Prophet of Islam". It is the opposite of Namoos-e-Risalat, which means “honor of the Prophet of Islam”.


Baghi

“Baghi” has multiple meanings, including rebellion, transgression, and a term used in Islamic law


Ya hayati

“Ya hayati” (يا حياتي) in Arabic translates to ”my life" or "my love", and is a common term of endearment used to express deep affection and care.


Ya Khalili

“Ya Khalili” (يا خليلي) in Arabic means ”Oh, my friend" or "O, my beloved". It’s a term of endearment, often used to express affection or closeness between people, similar to saying “my friend” or “my darling” in English.


Ya qalbi

“Ya qalbi” (يا قلبي) in Arabic translates to "my heart" or "my dear heart". It’s a common term of endearment and affection, often used to express love or care for someone.


Ya habibti

“Ya habibti” (يا حبيبتي) in Arabic means ”Oh, my beloved" or "Oh, my love" and is a term of endearment, typically used to address a female.


Mulhid

Mulhid (ملحد) refers to an apostate, atheist, infidel, or heretic. The term has evolved over time, initially meaning “one who inclines or deviates” before taking on its religious connotations


Sahafi

The Arabic word “sahafi” (صحفي) translates to "journalist" in English. It refers to a person who gathers, writes, and disseminates news and information through various media outlets. 

  • It’s derived from the root “saha” (صح), which means “news” or “information”.